This Week in Sedgwick County - Jan. 21, 2026
Board of County Commissioners
- Sedgwick County Commissioners accepted the resignation of Gary Witt from the District 5 Collaboration Board.
- BoCC deferred Item B: Metropolitan Area Planning Commission appointment. The item was deferred to the Feb. 4, 2026, meeting.
- Commissioners approved ZON2025-00053: Zone change request from Rural Residential District to Limited Industrial District at East 45th North and North Greenwich Rd.
- The BoCC approved ZON2025-00054: Zone change request from single-family residential to multi-family residential at North Broadway Ave. and East 69th North, subject to a modified Protective Overlay #468.
- Commissioners approved DER2024-00009: Amendment to the July 9, 2009, edition of the Wichita-Sedgwick County Unified Zoning Code to establish short term rentals in the county.
- Sedgwick County Commissioners approved recommendations from the Board of Bids and Contracts’ regular meeting on Jan. 15, 2026.
- Assistant County Manager Tania Cole provided a legislative update:
- This is the second week of legislative session.
- The last day for non-exempt bills to be passed in their house of origin is Feb. 19.
- The deadline for individuals to request bill drafts is Jan. 26.
- Sedgwick County has provided Watkins Public Strategies with 10 bills on the legislative platform.
- Nick Hoheisel will introduce a bill regarding expanding qualifications for the appraiser’s position on behalf of Sedgwick County.
- HB2331: There were technical amendments and an add-on to the bill from mortuary arts for continuing education requirements for funeral directors.
- HB2329: Commissioner Jim Howell and Sheriff Jeff Easter will testify Thursday, Jan. 22. The bill would increase the cumulative detention limit for juvenile offenders and criminal penalties for juvenile offenders who use a firearm in the commission of an offense.
- HB2464: The bill was introduced on the House Committee on Commerce, Labor and Economic Development to extend Kansas’ Aviation Tax Credits, set to expire in Dec. 2026. The bill would renew the program for another 10 years.
- SCR1616: BoCC discussed a proposed letter and case study prepared by Commissioner Jim Howell regarding the proposed constitutional amendment to cap assessed value of real estate at 3% per year.
Governing Body of Fire District 1
- BoCC accepted the resignation of Jesse Miller from the Sedgwick County Fire District 1 Steering Council.
- Commissioners appointed Kent Koehler to the Sedgwick County Fire District 1 Steering Council.
Upcoming Events
- The Great Plains Nature Center is hosting a Kansas Day Celebration with a fun, family friendly event. The community is invited to experience interactive crafts, games and learning for all ages, at the free event Saturday, Jan. 24, 2026, from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Great Plains Nature Center
- Celebrate our state’s history at a special Kansas Day Senior Wednesday on Jan. 28, 2026, at the Wichita-Sedgwick Co. Historical Museum, 204 S. Main St. Refreshments will be served at 9:30 a.m., followed by a program in the DeVore Auditorium at 10 a.m. and a tour at 11 a.m. Admission is $2. Find more information at Senior Wednesday – Kansas Day Celebration! – Wichita Sedgwick County Historical Museum.
- The voter registration deadline for the March 3 Wichita Sales Tax Special Election is Tuesday, Feb. 10, 2026. Early in-person voting will begin Tuesday, Feb. 17. Sedgwick County Election Office
- Sedgwick County students in grades 6-12 are encouraged to submit a design for the “I Voted” sticker that will be given out during the 2026 elections. Additionally, students in grades K-5 may submit a design for a “Future Voter” sticker. The contest runs through Feb. 27, 2026, and winners will be chosen in March by a panel of judges from the community. Artwork must be original and non-partisan. For contest rules and forms, visit "I Voted" Sticker Design Contest | Sedgwick County, Kansas.
Watch the meeting at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h6Z3kPbMir0.